Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Natural-history illustration of a long northern pike with pale spots and a duckbill snout
Reviewed species illustration. Confirm your catch with current state identification resources before keeping fish.

Northern pike are apex ambush predators — long, torpedo-shaped fish with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and explosive strike speed. Found in cold, weedy lakes and rivers across the northern U.S. and Canada, pike are stocked in reservoirs where they help control rough fish populations. They grow large (30+ pounds is possible), fight hard, and have the fastest strike of any freshwater fish. Handle with care — those teeth are serious.

Catching Tips

Large, flashy spinnerbaits, spoons, and large soft-plastic swimbaits work best for pike. Fish weed edges, shallow bays, and points with reed beds. Pike are ambush predators — slow your retrieve and pause often near cover to trigger strikes. Wire leaders are essential to prevent bite-offs.

World Record

55.06 lbs
Weight
Lake of Greifen, Germany
Location
1986
Year

No stocking events recorded yet for Northern Pike.